Summary

On 5 August 2010, the crew of a Fairchild Industries
Inc. SA227-AC aircraft, registered VH-TAG, were cleared for a
visual approach to runway 30 at Williamtown aerodrome, New South
Wales (NSW) by air traffic control (ATC). The flight was a
scheduled passenger service from Canberra, Australian Capital
Territory (ACT), with two crew and 18 passengers onboard.

After landing, the crew was instructed by ATC to taxi
to holding point Alpha, runway 30. During the taxi, the crew
received an amended clearance to taxi to holding point Bravo,
runway 30.

On approaching holding point Bravo, the crew checked
the runway for other aircraft and taxied beyond the holding point.
The crew was instructed by ATC to hold short of runway 30. The crew
immediately stopped the aircraft and advised ATC that the aircraft
had crossed the holding point, but was about 5 m away from the edge
of the runway.

Shortly after, the crew observed a Boeing F/A-18
Hornet aircraft takeoff. About 10 seconds later a second Boeing
F/A-18 Hornet took off on runway 30.

The crew discussed the incident and determined that
they had not received a clearance to cross runway 30.

This incident highlights the importance of pilots
utilising all of their available resources to confirm if the
appropriate clearance has been received from ATC. Furthermore, if
there is some doubt as to the location of other aircraft operating
in the area, contact ATC or the pilot of the other aircraft to
establish their position.